The Tri-State Games began in 1986 in the town of Mildura with staff and clients of the Christie Centre inviting other centres to come and enjoy some fun competition and social interaction.

The Games have been held each year since then at various regional areas including;

• The Grampians 2009/10
• Mildura (Vic) 2007/08
• Adelaide Hills (SA) 2005/2006
• Echuca (Vic) 2003/2004
• Seymour (Vic) 2002
• Murray Bridge (SA) 2000/2001
• Victor Harbor (SA) 1998/1999
• Benalla (Vic) 1996/1997
• Riverland (SA) 1994/1995
• Broken Hill (NSW) 1992/1993
• Wodonga (Vic) 1989/1990/1991
• Mildura (Vic) 1986/ 1987/1988

The Tri-State Games have grown and developed over the years to become Australia’s largest ‘grass roots’ athletics carnival for people with a disability. Now more than 230 athletes with the support of around 90 coaches, carers and other assistants from across three states, compete both individually and for their team during the week long carnival in November each year.

Past winners of the team perpetual shield have been;

• 2009 - Arrows SA
• 2008 - Arrows SA
• 2007 - Arrows SA
• 2006 - Arrows SA
• 2005 - Port Augusta Spencer Sprites
• 2004 - Coonamble / Castlereagh
• 2003 - Coonamble / Castlereagh
• 2002 - Coonamble / Castlereagh
• 2001 - Strathalbyn Hookers Hornets
• 2000 - Riverland Rockets
• 1999 - Victor Harbor Sharks
• 1998 - Port Augusta Spencer Sprites
• 1997 - Riverland Rockets
• 1996 - Riverland
• 1995 - Riverland
• 1994 - Murray Bridge
• 1993 - Victor Harbor Sharks
• 1992 - Murray Valley – Wodonga
• 1991 - Riverland SRAIDP
• 1990 - Riverland SRAIDP
• 1989 - Riverland SRAIDP
• 1988 - W.J. Christie Centre – Mildura
• 1987 - Murdoch House – St Arnaud
• 1986 - Mt Gambier

In 2006 the Tri-State Games won the SA Great Award for ‘Best Sporting Event’ and in 2005 won an Australia Day Award for ‘Best Community Event’.